Flat force sensors

Altosens GmbH launches Fraunhofer technology on the market.

Whether in the industrial environment, in mobility or at home: “Smart services” require data that is processed and evaluated. Altosens GmbH, a Fraunhofer LBF spin-off, offers novel cloud-based force sensors that measure forces where this was previously not easily possible. This allows unexpected service operations to be reduced and therefore systems that are difficult to access to be operated more economically. Such a monitoring system can, for example, increase the profitability of wind turbines, especially for offshore turbines, where on-site maintenance is costly due to difficult accessibility. More information from the Altosens team in the Startup Area at Hannover Fair, Hall 17, B 65.

The digital transformation, Industry 4.0 and “Smart Services” pose major challenges for industry. Machine learning and artificial intelligence methods are opening up new opportunities for value creation via data-driven business models. Common to all applications and business models is the use of multi-physical sensor data. In order to obtain relevant data with little additional effort, economically feasible, robust and easily integrable sensors are required.

From scientific research to spin-off company

By research in the field of smart materials, a team of scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF developed the capacitive DELTA-C® technology. Through an internal Fraunhofer programs for technology transfer, the Darmstadt research team came into contact with Uwe Steinkamp, the now CEO of Altosens GmbH. Together, they planned and pushed ahead with the founding of the startup. Dr. William Kaal, group leader for vibration optimization at the Fraunhofer LBF and co-developer of the DELTA-C® technology: “I am pleased that the founding of Altosens means that a technology developed by us at the Fraunhofer LBF is on its way to be available on an industrial scale and therefore can created benefit for various users. With Altosens as a partner, we can further develop the technology in an even more targeted manner and better support our customers.”

Individually adaptable force sensors for a wide range of applications

After the foundation of Altosens GmbH, a first customer from the logistics/automotive sector could already be won with the Jost-Group, which benefits in particular from the sensor properties “overload capability” and “installation space-neutral integration”. With the help of the constantly growing modular system, Altosens is able to realize first prototypes within a few months. Thus, sensor prototypes for various applications in logistics, household and wind turbines have already been realized in the founding year.

Increasing the profitability of wind turbines thanks to innovative sensor technology

With a force-measuring washer, Altosens plans to increase the profitability of wind turbines by reducing unplanned service operations. Especially for offshore turbines, these operations cause relevant costs due to difficult accessibility. A cloud-based monitoring system with the Altosens force sensors serves as the basis for this. The sensors contain an integrated evaluation unit, which can also provide information about the remaining service life of the structure, bolt prestressing forces, load trends, etc. using the methods of fatigue strength.

More information: https://www.altosens.tech/ and in der Startup Area of Hannover Messe, April 17 to 21, Hall 17, booth B6.

Wissenschaftliche Ansprechpartner:

Dr. William Kaal, william.kaal@lbf.fraunhofer.de

http://www.lbf.fraunhofer.de